Page 44 of Stuck With My Christmas Crush

Calvin looks up at Lou’s smiling face and places the ring on her finger, then stands and takes both her hands in his. Jason hugs me and we turn away as they kiss.

“Enough, enough,” I say rushing over to break up my smooching friends with hugs and kisses of my own. We stand together laughing for a few minutes before anyone speaks. Then it’s Calvin who breaks away.

“Imagine if she had said no?” He laughs, taking Lou’s hand again and pressing it to his lips. “Listen. It’s just a thought. And, I don’t know what you think about this, Lou, but Jason, how would you feel about us getting married here? What do you think?”

“Ah. Perfect. Just perfect,” Lou jumps up to squeeze her fiancé, then she turns to Jason. “Could we?”

“It would be the most beautiful wedding,” I say barely containing my happiness. “And to have it right here. Wouldn’t that be perfect?”

“Wow. I’m speechless,” says Jason, eventually. “I would love it. And you’d be the first wedding in the newly re-opened Mansion Hotel.”

Rocko who has been lounging nearby, senses our excitement and ambles over, wagging his tail.

“I think we should try out the Rolls-Royce,” Jason says putting an arm around my shoulders. “Who wants to go for a ride?”

Lou claps her hands as we make our way to the garage. “The Rolls-Royce will be perfect for weddings. I mean, who wouldn’t want a ride in a vintage Rolls convertible?”

“At least there’s one thing I feel confident about, that I can do,” Jason says unlocking the garage door. “Tinkering with engines is my thing. The wedding and event stuff. That’s up to you.”

The rest of the afternoon is spent riding in the big old car, exploring the house and gardens, and talking about the amazing experiences we could offer our guests. There is so much to do before we even consider advertising, but the stage is set. Jason, Lou, Calvin, and I are abuzz with ideas and dreams. Getting the hotel ready to receive guests will take a few months, at least. But, with the tasks shared out, everyone can see a bright future for a dilapidated unloved house that was so close to demolition.

“Hey,” says Lou as we walk back to the van in the chilly semi-darkness of early evening. “We’re going to a New Year’s party at a warehouse downtown later.”

“Are you performing tonight?” asks Jason with his arms around me.

“No. We made a rule not to work at New Year’s,” says Calvin laughing and reaching for Lou. “It’s some friends of ours, at their place. There’ll be a DJ and a band, and it’ll be fun. You should come too.”

Jason seems suddenly shy. “I’ll pass,” he says standing beside me holding my hand. “I think I want to welcome the New Year right here. With Rocko.” Then he looks across at me. “And you, Charlie. If you’d like to stay?” I’m so surprised, I don’t say anything. I just stare back, wide-eyed. Then, Jason goes on hurriedly to fill in the silence. “Of course, I understand. It’s New Year. And it’s a party downtown with your friends. It’ll be fun. For sure.”

“No,” I say gazing up at Jason’s handsome face. His eyes meet mine in the soft twilight. “I’d love to stay here with you.” Then I throw my arms around Jason’s neck and squeal with delight. “It might snow. We might lose power. We might be stuck here! Yay!”

Lou and Calvin laugh. Jason picks me up and swings me around as if I’m a ragdoll.

When he puts me back down on my feet he says, “Well, there’s enough food and I have a bottle of Moet chilling in the fridge.”

“And let’s get the gramophone and a stack of 78s,” I say laughing.

“Well, that’s settled,” says Calvin climbing into the driver’s seat of the van. “Sounds like you guys are going to have the best party, right here.”

“Happy New Year,” says Lou hugging me and then Jason before getting into the passenger seat.

“Happy New Year!” I shout and wave as the van’s taillights disappear down the road and around the corner.

It’s quiet and I’m alone with Jason in the dark. But I’m not stuck this time. We walk hand in hand to the tiny gatehouse.

“Where’s the mistletoe?” I ask on the porch as Jason reaches for the door handle. I bite my lip and put my hands deep into my jacket pockets.

Jason pauses and faces me in the half-light. “Do we need mistletoe?” He steps toward me; his breath warms my cheek.

“I guess not,” I say sliding under Jason’s arm and standing with my back against the door.

Jason leans against me with one hand above my head, the other snaking around my waist under my jacket. We sense rather than see each other. I feel his gentle surrender as his lips meet mine. Our bodies meld together, entwining in a spiral of kissing pleasure. I reach my hand up to Jason’s neck to draw him to me. The exquisite softness of his lips on mine slowly gives way to an eagerness with each surge of breath until I pull away, lightheaded with emotion, but wanting more. So much more.

“That was some kiss,” Jason says nuzzling my ear, sending tingles up and down my body making me giggle. Hebreathes deeply, encircling me with his arms. “I’ve been wanting to kiss you like that since the first time I saw you.”

“At the side of the road in a broken car?”

Jason shakes his head. “Charlie. I have a confession to make.”

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